For partners College Champittet (Switzerland)
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia
Programs and prices, tuition fees in College Champittet (Switzerland)
Preschool program (from 3 to 4 years old), Preschool age
- Age of students: 3-4 years old.
- Full-time tuition only, no accommodation.
Champittet College strives to create a warm, cozy, friendly atmosphere so that children love going to school from an early age: both campuses accept children from the age of 3.
The bilingual curriculum fosters curiosity through fun activities and games, creative practices. Children grow independent, self-confident, develop motor, counting, language skills (English and French). Small classes allow attention to be given to everyone, so that children's academic and social abilities develop very harmoniously and freely.
Forest School
Since 2020, outdoor activities have become an important part of the preschool and primary school curriculum thanks to the Forest School. This is a great opportunity to stimulate both the mind and the body. Children learn to identify colors and shapes, observe the weather and the change of seasons, play sports and play, explore and dream, learn to listen, observe and concentrate.
Primary School (Grades 1-4)
- Age of students — from 4 to 12 years,
- The term of study is eight years.
Primary education at Collège Champittet covers grades 1-8, which is atypical for most international schools. Starting at the age of four, children embark on a rich bilingual program that includes many scientific fields and opportunities to realize their academic, creative and athletic potential. As they get older, the number of classes taught in English will increase — by the age of 11, students attend 40% of English-language lessons, gradually preparing for the transition to high school.
The curriculum is gradually updated with new subjects as you move from class to class. So, in the first years of primary school, students focus on common topics of mathematics, natural sciences, two languages and literature, attend physical education classes and creative circles. In the future, the program gradually begins to become more complicated and deepen: humanities (history, for example) are added to the already well—known subjects, and natural sciences — physics, biology, chemistry - begin to be studied separately from each other, more thoroughly and in-depth.
Students have access to a wide range of electives, clubs and sections that perfectly complement the rich curriculum and help in the development of talents and strengths. Through teamwork in scientific fields, participation in sports competitions, and the development of creative abilities, students develop important social skills and gain self-confidence.
Secondary School I
- Age of students — from 13 to 14 years,
- The studying period is two years.
The secondary school program, covering grades 9-10, is the first stage of the High School stage at the Collège Champittet. During these two years, students can choose the language of instruction based on their future academic plans: if they are going to receive a Swiss certificate or a French diploma, then it is worth studying in English and French, and if they are going to enter leading universities abroad, they choose an international diploma preparation program and, accordingly, study only in English. language.
In grades 9-10, students will have a rich curriculum that meets their intended goals for high school. It is mandatory for students to study mathematics, natural sciences and humanities, engage in sports and creativity, attend language classes, which can be added with electives to improve their English or French language proficiency. Extracurricular activities, whether sports training or creative clubs, expand academic experience and give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain new abilities to achieve better results.
Secondary School II (Grades 9-10, 16-18 years old)
- Age of students — from 15 to 18 years,
- The studying period is three years.
Collège Champittet offers its students a sought-after international diploma that will open the academic path to the best universities around the world. The diploma program itself takes two academic years — grades 12 and 13, and grade 11 serves, in fact, as a year of intensive preparation with attendance at various electives, career consultations and external events.
In grades 12-13, students will have to create an individual curriculum of six subjects — the disciplines are grouped into six scientific fields and represent an ideal combination for theoretical and practical preparation. Among those available will be mathematics at two levels of difficulty, natural sciences (separately: chemistry, biology, physics), several humanities, computer science, and many others.
In addition to the selected subjects, students take three electives that reveal their athletic and social abilities.:
- Theory of knowledge (TALK) — written work-reflection on the topic of knowledge acquisition and its origin,
- Extended essay(S) — written work on any scientific topic in one of the selected subjects,
- Creativity, activity, service to society (CAS) — active participation in sports competitions and creative work, charity events.
Upon completing the program, students receive a competitive diploma backed by an excellent academic knowledge and skills base.
French Baccalaureate
- Age of students — from 15 to 18 years,
- The studying period is four years.
A French diploma of secondary education is an excellent foundation for entering any university in the world. The program is divided into three separate sections, so the student can maximize his attention to the most necessary and interesting subjects. The exams will require the student to confirm a high level of French language proficiency (in written and oral form), analytical thinking and information synthesis abilities.
Directions of French Baccalaureate are:
- Literary (L) is philosophy, literature, and foreign languages. It is most often chosen by students who plan to study at law, linguistic and other humanities faculties.,
- Scientific (S) is a natural science block. It is most often chosen by students who want to improve their knowledge of mathematics and physics, become a professional in engineering, enroll in medical school or find themselves in science.,
- Economics, Social Studies (ES) is a balanced program at the intersection of humanities and mathematics disciplines, which is especially recommended for applicants of economics and law faculties.
Swiss Maturite
- Age of students — from 15 to 18 years,
- The studying period is four years.
The senior stage of grades 9-12 is a time of important decisions about one's own future. Students are supported at each stage, strengthening their knowledge and skills necessary to achieve individual goals. The Swiss Maturite Bilingual Certificate is a rigorous and rich curriculum based on Swiss quality standards, confirming discipline and curiosity, leadership skills and teamwork.
The subjects are divided into categories: a combination of humanities, natural sciences and arts + languages, mathematics and two optional elements. The language features of the course are additional German studies at the standard/advanced level up to grade 12, Italian is available instead of German from grade 9.
If a student needs help learning French, they can attend the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program.
Champittet Leadership Camp
- Age of students — from 11 to 17 years old,
- Duration of study — two weeks.
The international summer program offers students of various nationalities an exciting time with the acquisition of important skills and knowledge. Thanks to cooperation with IMD business school, the International Olympic Committee, and the Lausanne School of Hospitality Management, the two-week curriculum will be filled with master classes and seminars by leading specialists in several industries. The main language of instruction is English.
Students are divided into two groups: 11-13 and 14-17 years old:
- The younger group learns to interact as a team, resolve conflicts and propose their solutions, argue ideas and listen to other points of view.
- Senior students learn to make decisions and defend their position, inspire the community and organize events.
During the two weeks, students will participate in morning leadership seminars, active sports training outdoors, numerous excursions and opportunities to realize their potential.
During their stay at the camp, students are accommodated in a comfortable residence with three meals a day (you can choose only daytime attendance — for example, if the family is traveling together and rents separate housing).
Seasonal Day Camp
- Age of students — from 3 to 18 years old,
- Dates — October, April and summer months,
- Duration of study — one week.
During seasonal holidays, whether autumn, Easter or summer, short-term day programs are organized on the Collège Champittet campus. Students of different ages participate in thematic courses to improve their knowledge in academic subjects, discover new abilities and develop talents in creativity, sports, social activities.
The program list includes:
- Nano-camp (3-5 years old) — a program of crafts, cooking, music, sports events,
- Multi-sport program (6-14 years old) — classes in basketball, football, tennis, parkour, baseball, swimming and many other areas,
- Sailing (6-15 years old) — master classes and practical training with specialists from the Club Nautique de Pully yacht club,
- Basketball (7-18 years old) — effective preparation under the guidance of two professional basketball players of international level,
- Tennis (6-12 years old) — daily tennis training on professional courts and under the supervision of specialists,
- TechSpark Academy (8-18 years old) — studying computer science, robotics, programming and other modern technical areas,
- Music (from 6 years old) — seven lessons every day in the chosen direction: from playing a musical instrument and choral singing to creating a rock band,
- Swimming (6-13 years old) — swimming lessons in indoor pools of various sizes, aimed at different goals: from learning to swim to achieving real sports results.
Classes under the programs are held on weekdays, continuing from morning until early evening. Accommodation during training is not provided.
Description of College Champittet (Switzerland)
- Location: Lausanne, Switzerland,
- Year of foundation: 1903,
- Age of students: 3-18 years old,
- Number of students: 720,
- Language of instruction: English, French,
- Type of studying: mixed.
Collège Champittet (The Swiss School Open to the World) is one of the leading boarding schools in Switzerland, educating children from 3 to 18 years old. Champittet's main advantage is its academic format — students study in English and French, can choose a bilingual program and receive a diploma demanded by the world's best universities.
Having been active in academia for over 120 years, Collège Champittet holds the bar high for educational quality, providing students with not only competitive, deep knowledge in scientific fields, but also opportunities for athletic, creative, and social development. According to annual statistics, Champittet students achieve excellent results during and after their studies, which puts the school in national and international rankings, actively attracts new students, and gives students the opportunity to continue their academic career at the best universities around the world. Since 1984, it has been operating as a mixed school: both boys and girls of 50 different nationalities study here.
Extracurricular activities occupy as important a place in the schedule of students as the main lessons. In order for students to find new talents and develop existing abilities, the school offers an extensive range of thematic circles and sections supported by partner institutions: The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, UNICEF and others. Professional teachers and coaches don't just conduct thematic classes — they give students the opportunity to realize their strengths and hobbies at the highest possible level.
Currently, Collège Champittet is a member of the Nord Anglia Education rating group, accredited by leading international organizations, and continues to strive for continuous development and maintenance of the highest standards.
How are Swiss school rankings determined, and how reliable are they?
There aren't any official, uniform rankings. At Collège Champittet, we take pride in our 100% exam pass rate for all diploma programs, with an average IB score of 35.
Educational process
On the extensive Collège Champittet campus there is a fenced and safe area — the Forest School. Some lessons for preschool and primary school students take place in this open space. Through practical learning based on environmental studies, children discover their own abilities and acquire important social and personal skills. Lessons may be devoted to the following activities:
- Finding, counting and comparing objects of a certain shape or color,
- Classifying natural elements into categories,
- Creating a map of the area,
- Observing nature with a magnifying glass, tweezers and other hand tools,
- Collecting and arranging natural materials to create letters, numbers and works of art,
- Games that develop balance and coordination.
All students, from preschool to graduating classes, are supported by qualified teachers and specialists. For example, in high school, special attention is paid not only to academic preparation but also to university selection counseling and specific admission rules.
Faculties and colleges
Teaching is available at all school stages, this is a full-cycle school:
- Preschool — preschool department for children from 3 years old,
- Primary — elementary classes for students from 4 to 12 years old,
- Secondary — education in grades 9-10,
- High — senior academic department, from grade 11 to 14.
In the summer months, short-term programs are organized on campus, and a summer camp is opened.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The school offers both a day and boarding format (the latter starting at age 10). All boarders are accommodated in a beautiful historic building on campus, which boasts an incredible architectural composition and stunning views of Lake Geneva. There are options for five-day and seven-day boarding.
The bedrooms are furnished with the proper level of comfort and convenience. On each of the four residential floors there is a common living room for socializing and entertainment — these cozy living rooms are equipped with all necessary furniture and appliances. Students often get together to socialize, watch movies, play games, and have a snack. There is also a dining room and a library. Facilities and bathrooms can be in a separate room or on the floor, sanitary areas and toilets are sufficient for comfortable use (all of them are kept perfectly clean). Each room is locked and contains personal safes where students store valuables and documents (laptops should be kept in separate safes in a special room).
Girls and boys live on different floors, and almost all boarders share a room with another student to enhance cross-cultural communication.
Champittet College offers incredibly varied and delicious food. The chefs were awarded a special award — the Green Label, which confirms the quality.
Subjects and sports
Activities College Champittet (Switzerland)
The students of the Collège Champittet are provided with extensive extracurricular activities. There are more than 30 interest communities:
- Music,
- Theater,
- Dance,
- Art studio and fine arts,
- YouTube channel management,
- Coding,
- Yoga,
- Taekwondo,
- Basketball,
- Kayaking, etc.
Organized events are accompanied by tutors, coaches, and guides, so that the artistic, intellectual, and athletic interests and talents of the children are fully supported. For children who have chosen a boarding school in Switzerland, events are also held on weekends — they adapt to the annual calendar and the changing seasons, often timed to coincide with various holidays.
These can be:
- Water sports — Lake Geneva is located just 500 meters from the campus: water skiing, swimming, sailing, kayaking,
- Cultural trips to Switzerland, France, Italy, walks in Lausanne, the Olympic capital,
- Mountaineering, hiking and trekking, mountain biking, shopping (especially colorful Christmas markets),
- Skiing (the season here is from January),
- Visiting local restaurants and cafes.
Travel is of great importance in the cultural education of children: These may be short weekend trips around Switzerland and Europe, or longer vacation tours to European countries. across Asia or Africa, up to the historical exploration of Ancient Greece or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Advantages
- Three degree programs offering a choice of language of instruction: English, French or bilingual,
- Multinational academic community with representatives from more than 30 countries,
- From 93 to 100% — success in passing final exams,
- Collaboration with MIT, UNICEF, The Juilliard School for additional student development,
- The ratio of teachers to students is 1:10, with a high level of individual attention.
Facilities and equipment at College Champittet (Switzerland)
The Collège Champittet training area covers 4 hectares on the shores of Lake Geneva, just a few minutes from Lausanne and the mountain peaks of the Alps. It is a cozy, quiet area that emphasizes unity with nature.
The equipment of the campus reflects the school's commitment to the comprehensive development of its students, boasts modern technological equipment, includes:
- Spacious and bright classrooms with interactive whiteboards,
- Fine and performing arts studios, halls for performances, rehearsals,
- Subject and STEM labs,
- Two computer classrooms,
- Football field with artificial turf,
- Track and field,
- Tennis courts,
- Basketball courts,
- Gym,
- The Forest School zone,
- Three dining halls.
There is a chapel on site where services are held: mostly in the Catholic faith, but outside of organized events it is accessible to students of any faith.
Admission dates and extra charges
Studies at Collège Champittet are organized in trimesters:
- Autumn: August-December,
- Spring: January-April,
- Summer: April-June.
Throughout the year, students rest on weekends, national and international holidays, during seasonal vacations. Classes are held on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, extracurricular activities are organized immediately after them, occasionally — on weekends and holidays.
Among additional expenses are:
- Registration, administrative fees,
- Accommodation and meals — includes school and sports uniforms, books and stationery, laundry services, health insurance,
- Exams,
- School transportation,
- Additional language support,
- Individual lessons,
- Some extracurricular activities,
- Personal expenses.
Enrolment process
Private schools are very popular with international students from all over the world: that is why you should apply for studies about a year before the planned start of the study program, since the number of places is extremely limited, and the competition for a place is very high.
Perspectives
Annual statistics demonstrate the high quality of academic and extracurricular student training: from 93% to 100% of senior students successfully complete one of the diploma programs, receiving excellent grades on final exams. After graduating from school, they enroll in leading colleges and universities in Switzerland and other countries.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
To apply as an international applicant, you will need:
- Personal documents: foreign passport, visa or residence permit, health insurance,
- Academic transcripts for the last two academic years,
- A recommendation letter required for applicants in middle and high school.
Depending on the class a candidate is applying to, the requirements will vary slightly — the applicant's age must match their academic and language proficiency. Champittet organizes additional English/French language courses for those who do not have the necessary skill level.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about College Champittet (Switzerland)
Luxury boarding school with huge queues for admission. Do not repeat our mistakes: the daughter entered at the second try.
When choosing a school abroad, we chose studying in Switzerland. It’s fabulously expensive, but the level is beyond, and equipment, and technical capabilities (well, very nice, well-groomed, near the mountains and a lot of other subjective amenities). However, while the court is on the case, while we lazily chose - when sending documents, we received a polite letter that the places on the course ended.
Not expected, of course. We thougth that if you pay the money - you get the place. Then, the documents were straightened out as clearly as possible. Here, thanks to the consultant Alexandra: she, too, was sad because of our "return", so we developed a whole plan for the date of the new reception. Two weeks before the start of the collection of applications, we did all the docs (translated into English, certified by a notary, etc.), prepared a full package - and in the morning (Alexandra clarified the first day of admission) sent all to the school. Accepted! Quickly (until they changed their minds :)) we paid the receipt for the first year (they decided right away, but you could also pay for the semesters) and began to prepare for departure.
We've got such an epic: we lost a year, but we tried to use it all the same, and learn from our mistakes. How will the first year come to an end? Let's add a review: the daughter likes it, but it’s not enough time for an objective assessment whether it was all worth it.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
